Historical Events Mar 10 Tsar Peter the Great of Russia begins a tour of Western Europe Mar 20 Willem de Vlamingh returns to Batavia after exploring "South Land" Famous Birthdays Mar 9 Friederike C. Neuber, German actress and author (Allerkostbarste Schatz), born in Reichenbach im Vogtland (d. 1760) Mar 30 John-Baptist Xavery, Flemish sculptor Famous Deaths Mar 1 Francesco Redi, Italian physician, dies at 71 Mar 26 Godfrey McCulloch, Scottish politician and murderer (executed) (b. 1640) Mar 27 Simon Bradstreet, English colonial magistrate, last governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony, dies at 93 Mar 29 Nikolaus Bruhns, composer, dies 1696 History by Year 1698